Endorsements

We are happy to endorse the candidacy of Rebecca Francik for the Washington State House of Representative open seat in District 16, Position 1 in November 2016.

We have known Rebecca for many years, and believe that she is superbly prepared to be an outstanding member of Washington State's major deliberative body.

Rebecca is a person of great integrity, with a wide range of knowledge and experience.

She has extensive knowledge in the fields of agriculture, education, information science, infrastructure and local government. Much of her adult career has been spent preparing for the duties she would face as a state representative.

Rebecca has served on the Pasco City Council for 19 years, has been a 10-year board member of the Association of Washington Cities, and was appointed by Governors Locke and Gregoire to serve for 18 years on the Washington State Trust Fund Board. She has gained great experience in making difficult public policy decisions within the limitations of the available funding sources and the restrictions of state laws.

In a state that is increasingly dominated by urban, westside issues, Rebecca would be a powerful advocate for farmers, food processors, businesses and rural communities in Eastern Washington.

There are few people we know who are better prepared to take on this major responsibility. We believe Rebecca Francik would do an outstanding job for our community and state.

* Dr O'Rourke is emeritus professor in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University. He served for two decades on the Washington State Governor's Economic Advisory council. He and his wife Sheila are principals in Belrose, Inc., a global economic consulting company. Sheila has served on numerous community help programs in Eastern Washington.